Konami: London studio will keep PES 'fresh and exciting'

Expectations are already high for Konami's freshly-announced London PES studio.

Officially confirming the studio's opening today, a statement from the publisher says it expects the local team to ensure its football series remains 'fresh and exciting'.

PES has faced stiff competition from FIFA, after EA invested heavily in the EA Canada made game.

But Konami isn't taking the challenge lightly these days. The new studio will be the European wing of PES Productions, which usually handles the development of PES out of Tokyo.

The London team doesn't actually exist yet - a recruitment drive will begin in earnest next month - and it'll take some time for the studio's work to be seen. However the next PES is out on October 14th, and is already getting good preview buzz from the specialist press.

"The new satellite office will strive to adopt and recreate local football culture that will ensure the long-running series is kept fresh and exciting," said the company in a statement.

A fuller statement from Shinji Hirano, the president of Konami Digital Entertainment GmbHm added:

These are hugely exciting times for the PES series.

We are looking for a number of creative people who can help us elevate PES to whole new levels.

"As part of Konamo's commitment to ensuring PES captures the majesty of European football, we are looking for people to help capture the very essence of the beautiful game and bring it to life."

Konami plans to use GDC Europe, which runs alongside Gamescom next month, as the starting point for its recruitment campaign for the studio.